Sony New Flashtool

[Bearings]

Yesterday released Sony Flash Tool Beta Version for Xperia S, Arc & Arc S. For all those who are currently using custom ROM and want to flash back to stock ROM officially, there is now in existence this tool for use.

http://developer.sonymobile.com/services/flash-tool/

But of course your bootloader must be unlocked.

[Thommo]

I think Sony has missed the point here

If owners are using a custom Rom then it's obvious they have unlocked their bootloader so I find that this tool will only be useful to about 1% of users out there that maybe flashed a custom Rom but either didn't create a backup FTF or download an FTF from for example XDA see here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1599303

So I tested this yesterday and it will only offer the latest firmware for your customization number so if for example members here want to downgrade from ICS to GB then this tool will not offer you that firmware

Sony is years behind XDA in the flashing game as Flashtool doesn't require you to have an unlocked bootloader

[Bearings]

Got a feeling this is to replace Sony Update Services in the future, since it practically does the same thing.

It's true there are better things out there but not all owners are equipped enough to understand and use them. So for novice, it's a good thing to have.